First baseman Jared Walsh earned his way onto the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster, multiple outlets reported Wednesday, after struggling with health issues the past two seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
Walsh joined the Rangers on a minor league deal this past offseason and helped himself this spring with three home runs. A spot at first base opened up when Nathaniel Lowe came away with an oblique strain earlier this month.
Walsh, 30, saw his 2022 season end early for the Angels with thoracic outlet syndrome then played just 39 games last season with neurological issues that caused headaches and insomnia and led to him visiting a specialist in Utah.
In five major league seasons, Walsh is a career .240 hitter in 364 games with 58 home runs and 184 RBIs. He was an All-Star in 2021 when he hit 29 home runs with 98 RBIs.
The Rangers shipped infielder Jose Barrero to Triple-A Round Rock after he cleared waivers, opening up one spot on the 40-man roster. Two more will be needed for the expected additions of infielder/outfielder Wyatt Langford and right-hander Jose Urena.
